India critisizes EU’s Russia sanctions targeting Gujarat’s Vadinar Refinery : MEA

NEW DELHI : India on Friday said it does not subscribe to any unilateral sanctions and called for ending double standards in energy trade after the European Union (EU) unveiled new punitive measures targeting the Russian energy sector that included restrictions on the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat.

The 18th package of sanctions by the 27-nation EU included a set of measures largely aimed at curbing the revenues of Russia’s oil and energy sector, such as an import ban on refined petroleum products made from Russian crude oil and coming from any third country.

The measures also included reduction of the oil price cap from USD 60 to about USD 48 a barrel and the designation of the Vadinar Refinery, in which Russian energy firm Rosneft has a major stake.

India responded to the EU’s action by reiterating that New Delhi “does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures” and calling for an end to double standards in energy trade – a reference to European states buying refined products made from Russian oil from third countries.

“We are a responsible actor and remain fully committed to our legal obligations,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Noting that the Indian government considers energy security as a responsibility of paramount importance, he said, “We would stress that there should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade.”

The “unilateral sanctions” by the EU could block Nayara from exporting refined products such as diesel and petrol to European nations. Responding to this, India emphasized its right to energy access and reaffirmed its longstanding position on energy sovereignty.

“The Government of India considers the provision of energy security a responsibility of paramount importance to meet the basic needs of its citizens. We would stress that there should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade,” Jaiswal added.